Riding mower with swingout center mower head

ABSTRACT

A gang mower, with a frame supported upon plurality of ground engaging wheels, a prime mover, and a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers. At least one of the reel-type mowers is secured to an arm member which is secured to and pivots about frame so that the reel-type mower may be moved from an operating position beneath the frame to a service position adjacent to the frame. An electric motor provides the driving torque for moving the mower over surfaces to be mowed. Individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. Further, electrically driven lift mechanisms move the reel-type lawn mowers between a lowered operating position in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and a raised non-operating or transport position. The pivot support includes a king pin secured to the frame. The king pin enables movement of a swing member. An arm secured to the swing member may be releasably secured in an operating position by a latch to the frame. The reel mower is secured to the reel arm member to enable movement thereof between any operating and service position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/418,936, filedApr. 7, 1995, and entitled Control System for Electric Drive RidingMower, which is a division of application Ser. No. 08/191,553, filedFeb. 3, 1994 and entitled Electric Drive Riding Greens Mower, now Pat.No. 5,406,778, granted Apr. 18, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to turf care equipment, and moreparticularly, to an all electric operation riding greens mower.

2. Discussion

There are known a wide variety of lawn mowers including: powered ornon-powered, riding, towed or walk behind, multiple or gang, reel orrotary, and so on type lawn mowers. Most of these mowers are capable ofdoing a fine job of mowing the lawn around the family home, the grassalong the side of the road and around commercial buildings or on thefairways and rough areas of golf courses. Mowing of golf course greens,however, requires a very precise mower specifically designed andengineered to ensure a consistent close cropped cut of the green turf.In addition, because of the time required to grow a golf course green,sometimes several years to full maturity, and the cost associated withstarting and maintaining a green, generally tens of thousands ofdollars, it is vitally important that the mowing unit operate properlyand not damage the green.

A number of greens mowers are known in the art and are discussed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,425,197; 3,429,110; and 4,021,996. A more specific type ofgreens mower, a riding greens mower with multiple or gang cutting unitsis the subject of and discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,511,033; 3,668,844;4,866,917; and 5,042,236. Common among the mowers discussed in thesepatents is the reliance on an internal combustion engine as a source ofpower, and complex drive mechanisms or hydrostatic systems for supplyingpower to the ground engaging wheels and the reel mowing units. Thesemachines suffer a number of disadvantages. For example, use of internalcombustion engines make the machines inherently noisy thus limiting thehours of the day during which they may be used without disturbing golfcourse neighbors or golfers who may be playing on adjacent areas. Thesemachines, and particularly the machines which rely on hydrostatic drivesystems, have the potential to severely damage a green unless carefulprecaution is taken to prevent the leakage or spillage of fuel,lubricating oil and hydraulic fluid. These machines also inherentlyproduce emissions as a result of burning hydrocarbon based fuels in theinternal combustion engines. In addition, the non-hydrostatic machinesgenerally require substantial maintenance, adjusting and/or replacing ofbelts, drive members and the like, for sustaining operation of themachine. The hydrostatic machines require dogged checking and toppingoff of hydraulic fluid as well as painstaking checking of the hydraulichoses and connection for leaks. All of the machines require periodicmaintenance to change lubricants within and to tune the internalcombustion engines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an all electric drive riding greensmower. The mower includes a frame member which is supported for movementupon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supporteda battery power source, an operator station and a plurality of reel lawnmowers. An electric motor provides driving torque for motivating themower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed,and individual electric motors provide driving torque for each of thereel lawn mowers. Electrically driven linear actuators are also providedand facilitate moving the reel lawn mowers between a lowered operatingposition in which the reel lawn mowers engage the turf being mowed and araised non-operating or transport position. The unique frame memberprovides a pivoting mount for at least one of the reel mowers tofacilitate service and is further ergonomically constructed tofacilitate efficient operator utilization of the mower. The frame memberis further efficiently utilized to support and protect variouselectrical and mechanical components. Operator orientated controlslayout and an operator communication panel facilitate efficientutilization of the mower. All electric operation provides for anemissionless riding greens mower which is extremely quiet in operation.Electric operation of the reel lawn mowers further provides a convenientmeans for on unit backlapping as well as for operator customized mowercontrol.

The unique and efficient frame construction of the riding greens mowerof the present invention provides the rigid structure required for sucha mower. Most of the frame members, however, are multi-purpose. Hence,the battery power source, the reel mower mounting structure, the driveaxle and electric motor mounting structure, the seat support structure,the foot deck structure and other portions of the frame assembly servemultiple purposes in a highly efficient design. The frame is designedwith an outer periphery tubular structure interlinked with supportmembers. Therefore, a rigid structure can be provided withoutsubstantial use of gussets or other reinforcements. This frame designfurther provides for a riding greens mower which is light in weight.Each of these considerations are highly important for preventing soilcompaction, which can damage a green, due to the weight of mower.

The greens mower of the present invention is laid out in a three wheeldesign with two wheels mounted towards the front of the unit on a commondrive axle. This arrangement facilitates driving both of these wheelsfrom a single electric motor, again reducing the weight of the unit. Themower has an elongated frame structure which, while enhancing thestability of the mower, provides for positioning the battery powersource behind and under the operator. The third wheel is positioned atthe rear of the mower on a pivoting mount for steering the vehicle. Thewide spacing of the front ground engaging wheels allows for maintainingthe track of the rear wheel within the track of the front wheels throughturns which enhances the stability of the mower. In addition to theliberal use of tubular and multi-purpose frame members, all of the framemembers are formed to facilitate weight reduction.

The tubular frame structure can provide for routing the electricalwiring and steering cable assembly through the frame members. Thisfeature of the riding greens mower can eliminate a number of mountingbrackets and hardware and also reduce or eliminate protective sheathingwhich would otherwise be required for mounting and protecting the wiringand cable assemblies. The frame construction also provides for housingmost of the electrical control elements conveniently on a common panelwhich, when in a closed position, is the operator foot deck. The panelcan easily pivot to an open position, however, to allow access to theelectrical components for service or inspection. The foot deck isergonomically angled for enhancing operation and for allowing waterwhich may accumulate within the housing to drain through aperturesformed therein.

The all electric operation of the riding greens mower of the presentinvention provides numerous advantages over previously known mowers. Forexample, the mower is extremely quiet in operation. Hence, greens nearhomes may be mowed without disturbing the homeowners, or greens adjacentplaying areas can be mowed without disturbing golfers. The unit alsodoes not produce emissions, and the possibility of spilling fuel,lubricating oil or hydraulic fluid is eliminated.

The electric operation of the riding greens mower reduces maintenance.The mower need only be connected to a recharger after use. On a fullcharge, the mower is capable of mowing in excess of 20 greens, includingtraveling therebetween. Therefore, one or two units can easily handlethe greens mowing requirements for an average golf course. The mower isspecifically designed to reduce maintenance. For example, the reelmowers can be conveniently backlapped on the unit through adding anexternal backlapping motor or through a simple adaptor which allows foroperating the reels in reverse via the reel drive motors. The centerreel of the unit is designed to easily pivot out from under the unit forservice. And, the battery cover is vented such that it does not have tobe removed during charging.

In addition to being efficiently designed and easy to maintain, theriding greens mower is easy and convenient for the operator to use. Themower is designed with an arm structure which supports the steeringwheel as well as most of the control elements and gages within easy viewand reach of the operator. Adjacent the seat, an assist bar is providedfor helping the operator on and off the unit. Drive, brake and reelmotor control elements are positioned for easy reach by the operator'sfoot on the ergonomically angled foot deck made integral to the framestructure. In addition, a communication panel is provided. Thecommunication panel allows the golf course greens supervisor to easilyand conveniently communicate, through erasable messages, to the operatorwhich greens to mow, how to mow them and when to bring the unit in forservice just as an example. The erasable nature of the messages allowsthe supervisor to set up the machine on a daily basis, and to send theoperator out with clear instructions for the day.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention willbecome readily apparent from the following detailed description,subjoined claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of the electric drive riding greensmower of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right perspective view of the electric drive riding greensmower of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the electric drive riding greens mower of thepresent invention and illustrates features of the mower generallydisposed above the frame member;

FIG. 4 is a top view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating, however, featuresof the mower generally disposed below the frame member and illustratingthe drive axle partially broken away to show the internal geararrangement;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the electric drive riding greens mower of thepresent invention and further illustrates two of the reel type mowers,one of which is in a lowered operating position and the other of whichis in a raised non-operative or transport position;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the electric drive riding greens mower of thepresent invention with the battery cover partially broken away to showthe batteries and the seat support assembly;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the electric drive riding mower ofthe present invention further illustrating the seat support assembly,the battery power source support assembly and partially illustrating thecenter reel mower swing arm and latch assembly;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view of the electric drive riding mower of thepresent invention further illustrating the batteries and illustratingthe center reel mower swing arm assembly partially rotated from anoperative position to a service position;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of one of the reel lawn mowersillustrating the lifting mechanism, the wiring connections and theexternal backlapping motor mount cover;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged top view of the electric drive riding mower ofthe present invention illustrating the foot deck layout including thedrive pedal, the brake pedal, the reel type mower operation switch andthe pivotable electrical component mounting panel in the closedposition;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the electric drive ridingmower of the present invention illustrating the foot deck andparticularly illustrating the electrical component mounting panel in anopened position;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial top view of the electric drive ridingmower of the present invention illustrating the operator stationincluding the steering wheel, the communication panel and the controlpanel;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the communication panel;

FIG. 14 is an exploded assembly view of the operator seat supportassembly and integrated battery power source support member;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the frame member and included anexploded assembly perspective of the drive assembly and of the pivotingcenter reel mounting assembly;

FIG. 16 is a timing diagram illustrating the on/off delay operation ofthe center reel mower of the electric drive riding greens mower of thepresent invention; and

FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic circuit diagrams illustrating theelectrical connections and functional control elements of the electricdrive riding greens mower of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to an all electric operating ridinggreens mower. For purposes of providing a detailed description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the invention is described asfollows embodied as an electric triplex greens reel mower having a framesupported on three wheels, three reel type lawn mowers supported fromthe frame member, an operator station including a seat from Which anoperator controls the function of the mower and an on/board batterypower source of electrical energy. It should be readily understood thatthe teachings of the present invention are not limited to the specifictype of greens mower described herein and can be extended to a varietyof applications in the turf care industry and elsewhere.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the general arrangement of electric riding greensmower 10. Mower 10 includes a frame 12 supported for movement on forwarddrive wheels 14 and rear steerable wheel 16. Three reel type lawn mowers18a, 18b and 18c, respectively, are supported from frame 12 by reel liftassemblies 190. Two of the reel lawn mowers 18a and 18b, are disposed atthe forward corners of frame 12 and the third reel lawn mower 18c iscentrally disposed below frame 12. This arrangement assures that themowers precede the ground engaging wheels such that the green turf ismowed prior to being traversed by the ground engaging wheels therebyensuring a precise and consistent length of cut.

Each of the reel lawn mowers are driven by an electric reel mower motor22 which is supplied with electrical energy from on-board battery powersource 24. Battery power source 24 preferably provides between about 12volts to 96 volts of electrical force. In the preferred embodiment,battery power source 24 includes eight six volt lead-acid batteries 26connected in series to provide 48 volts of electrical force and furtherproviding capability for cutting between in excess of 20 average golfcourse greens including transportation of mower 10 between the greens.As will be appreciated, lower battery voltages may be used with smallerunits while higher battery voltages may be used with larger units suchas five gang fairway mowers. Battery power source 24 is rechargeable,and it should be readily understood that any type of batteries, such theabove-mentioned lead acid or nickel cadmium (NiCad) batteries, may beused with mower 10. Battery power source 24 also provides electricalenergy to a drive motor 162 which is adapted to provide driving torquethrough a drive axle 164 to each of the drive wheels 14 for propellingmower 10 over a green being mowed or between greens. Drive motor 162 iscapable of providing an average cutting speed for mower 10 ofapproximately 3.8 miles per hour (MPH) during mowing operations andapproximately 7.5 MPH during transport.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 14, battery power source 24 is secured to abattery support 40 which is made integral to a rearward portion of frame12. Battery support 40 includes a plurality of transverse "L" shapedmembers 42 which define a pair of channels 44 and 46, respectively.Channels 44 and 46 are sized to receive the eight lead-acid batteries 26of battery power source 24 in two rows of four. Channels 44 and 46 areseparated by a vertical plate member 48 which also forms a portion of aseat support 64. Vertical plate member 48 is formed with a plurality ofapertures 50 to reduce its weight and hence the overall weight of mower10. The forward channel 44 is further shielded from the forward portionof mower 10 by contoured vertical plate member 52 which also forms aportion of seat support 64. Once secured into battery support 40, uppersupport member 56, also constructed from a plurality of "L" shapedmembers is secured over the tops of batteries 26. Batteries are thenconnected in series via jumpers 45 as shown in FIG. 8, to provide up toapproximately forty-eight volts of electrical force. In operation, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 6 battery power source 24 is covered with a ventedcover 54. Cover 54 has a dome shaped contour and overlaps the outerportions of frame 12 to cover battery power source 24 as well assteering mechanism 260. Cover 54 further includes an aperture 58 whichis located at the apex of the domed shape. Aperture 58 permits theescape of gases generated during recharging of the batteries 56 withouthaving to remove cover 54. Additional apertures 57 are formed in theupper side portions of cover 54 into which vented plugs 59 are insertedfor further ensuring adequate ventilation of battery power source 24.

Mower 10 is operated from an operator station 60 which includes a seat62 supported above frame 12 and battery power source 24 by seat support64. Operator station 60 also includes a control support arm 66 which issecured to a rearward portion of the frame 12. Control support arm 66extends forwardly and around the seat 62 such that a steering wheel 68is located directly in front of the operator and a control module 70 forhousing the control elements such as control switches and indicators iswithin view and reach of the operator. Located on control support arm 66and adjacent steering wheel 68 is a communication panel 72 as best seenin FIG. 12 which will be described in more detail hereinlater, and whichis operable for displaying mowing and operating instructions to theoperator. Formed integral to frame 12 and associated with operatorstation 60 is foot deck 74. Foot deck 74 is ergonomically angled foroperator comfort and ease of reaching the drive pedal 76, brake pedal 78and reel mower activation switch (mow switch) 80. Seat 62 furtherincludes an assist handle 82 for assisting the operator on and off mower10.

FIGS. 7, 14 and 15 illustrate seat support 64 including vertical platemember 48, contoured vertical plate member 52 and assist handle 82 andfurther including horizontal plate member 84, track members 86 and seatbase support 88. Threaded fasteners 90 and bushing 92 pivotably secure afirst end of horizontal plate member 84 to apertures 94 formed in tabs96 formed on contoured vertical plate member 52. In a first position,horizontal plate 84 is supported on vertical plate member 48 and issecured by a threaded knob 98 which engages a stud 100 extendingvertically upwardly from vertical plate member 48 and passing throughaperture 58 in cover 54 and an aperture 102 formed in horizontal plate84.

Seat 62 and assist handle 82 are secured to base support 88 such as bythreaded fasteners, and base support 88 is secured to track members 86.Track members 86 are operable for allowing fore and aft adjustment ofseat 62 relative to the seat support 64 and hence frame structure 12 ofmower 10 to enhance operator comfort and ease of operating mower 10.Track members 86 are secured, such as by threaded fasteners, tohorizontal plate 84. To allow access to battery power source 24,threaded knob 98 is detached from stud 100, and seat 62, including basesupport 88, track members 86 and horizontal plate 84, may be pivoted toa past vertical position for removing cover 54 and accessing batterypower source 24 and steering mechanism 260. It should be noted thatassist handle 82 also pivots with seat and therefore may be used toassist in pivoting seat 62 as well as for assisting an operator on andoff mower 10.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the details of the ergonomically orientedfoot deck 74. As seen in FIG. 10, foot deck 74 includes a drive pedal76, a brake pedal 78 and mow switch 80 the functions of which will bedescribed later. Both the drive pedal 76 and the brake pedal 78 arecovered with a non-slip surface coating as is a portion 120 of foot deckadjacent the mow switch 80. As can be seen in FIG. 11, a portion of footdeck 74 is a panel 122 which is hingedly mounted to the foot deck 74 andcan be opened to reveal the electrical components and wiring connectionsfor mower 10 which are mounted in a compartment 124 under the foot deckor to the panel 122 itself. Nearly all of the electrical components aremounted to this panel which can be easily opened to provide service tothe electrical components as required. The electrical components mountedto panel or in compartment are connected to the other portions of mower10 by a wiring harness 126. In addition, constructing frame 12 fromtubular stock materials can provide an integral conduit for routingwiring harness 126 to the various electrical components. FIG. 3illustrates the routing of wiring harness through tubular frame 12. Inthis manner a number of brackets and tie-downs necessary for securingwiring harness 123 to mower 10 can be eliminated as well protectivesheathing which would be required if wiring harness 126 were exposedthereby saving on cost and weight of mower 10. In addition compartment124 is formed with apertures 128 which allow for water which mayaccumulate in compartment 124 to drain due to the angle of foot deck 74.

FIG. 12 further illustrates features of operator station 60 includingthe position of steering wheel 68 mounted to control support arm 66 inits relation to seat 62. In addition, a control panel 130 is providedand secured to control support arm 66. Control panel 130 contains aplurality of electrical switches generally indicated at 132 for changingthe operating conditions of mower 10 as well as a of plurality gages 134to monitor the operation of mower 10. As will be described, switches 132are provided and secured to control panel 130 for selectivelycontrolling operation of reel mowers 18a, 18b and 18c, activating thehead-light 304 and the like. Also, indicator gages 134 show hours ofoperation, battery charge state, and the like.

Also shown in FIG. 12 associated with control support arm 66, and betterseen in FIG. 13, is a communication panel 72. Communication panel 72 issecured to control support arm 66 such as by adhesive, hook and loopfasteners or by securing it under a clear plastic panel. Communicationpanel 72 allows the greens supervisor to provide mowing instructions tothe operator. Communication panel 72 is constructed from plastic orother suitable material to allow it to be written on in grease pencil ordry erase marker and hence, the instructions can be changed on a dailybasis. As shown in a preferred embodiment, communication panel includesa plurality of zones 138 which define particular operations andoperating parameters and a plurality of blank zones 140 in which thesupervisor may mark instructions. Also included is a dial indicator 142which allows the supervisor to indicate the direction in which to mow aparticular green. For example, a line between 9 and 3 would indicate thedirection in which the operator should traverse the green while mowing,and circling CW or CCW indicates the direction in which to perform aclean-up cut if required. Several communication panels 72 may beprepared and selectively inserted behind the clear plastic panel, orotherwise affixed to control support arm 66, by the operator. Hence, thesupervisor may prepare all of the instructions that the operator mayneed for an entire day at one time, and the operator may view theinstructions while operating the machines to ensure proper mowing of thegreen.

FIG. 4 shows the prime mover 160 for mower 10 which includes aseries-wound DC motor 162 adapted to deliver driving torque via driveaxle 164 to each of the drive wheels 14. More particularly, drive motor162 engages a gear reduction assembly 166 which includes a differentialgear assembly housed therein. Gear reduction assembly 166 providesdriving torque to a pair of shafts which are journally supported withindrive axle 164 and which are operable to deliver drive torque to wheels14. A suitable drive motor 162 is a 48 volt 2 horsepower (HP) at 2800revolutions per minute (RPM) DC motor, and a suitable drive axle 164 isa 15.67:1 gear reduction axle adapted to have motor 162 secured directlythereto. A single brake assembly 182 is secured to drive axle 164 and isinterconnected with brake pedal 78 for providing braking means.

As will be appreciated, the weight of prime mover 160 is isolated towarda forward portion of mower 10 and substantially over the front drivewheels 14. More particularly, drive motor 162 is mounted to drive axle164 forward of the axis of rotation of drive wheels 14 such that themajority of the weight of drive motor 162 is distribute to the frontdrive wheels 14. The remaining weight of prime mover 160, i.e., theweight of the drive axle 164 is substantially distributed along the axisof rotation of drive wheels 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 15, drive motor 162 is mounted directly todrive axle 164 and forward thereof. Drive axle 164 is secured to mower10 via threaded fasteners to brackets 178 suitably secured to an outerportion of frame 12. Mounting bracket 180 is provided and adapted tosupport a pair of reel lift assemblies 190 for supporting reel lawnmower 18a and 18b to a forward portion of mower 10. Each of the reellift assemblies 190 include an arm member 184 pivotably supported at oneend to mounting bracket 180 and fitted with a forwardly extendingsupport member 186 including a sleeve 188 at the other end. Reel liftassemblies 190 each include a reel lift motor 192 supported to a case194 and an actuating shaft 196 supported for axial movement relative tosleeve 188 secured to case 194. Reel lift motor 192 drives a ball screwassembly (not shown) housed within case 194 which causes linear movementof shaft 196 relative to sleeve 188. A distal end of shaft 196 includesa bore 198 through which a pin 200 is secured with pin 200 also engagingas best seen a pair of slots 202 formed through plates 204 secured toarm 184. As best seen in FIG. 9, reel mower motor 22 is directly mountedto a bearing housing portion 168 of the reel mowers 18a-18c and isdirectly coupled to the cutting cylinder (not shown). The cuttingcylinder is journally supported within the reel mower frame 172 which isadapted to a pull frame 178 in a known manner. Pull frame 178 includes atransverse frame member 179 and a steering shaft 206 which is journallysupported on arm 186 by sleeve 208 in a known manner as shown in FIG. 4.In operation, linear movement of shaft 196 in a first direction causesengagement of pin 200 with slots 202 and an upward pivoting movement ofarm 184 about mounting bracket 180 and hence a lifting of the associatedreel mower from a lowered operative position to a raised non-operativeposition. Similarly, linear movement of actuating shaft 196 in a seconddirection causes a downward pivoting movement of 184 arm about mountingbracket 180 and a lowering of the associated reel mower to the operativeposition. Slots 202 are sized to permit an amount of upward and downwardtravel of the reel mower in the operative position such that the reelmower may traverse undulating terrain without binding against the pin200.

FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 8 and 15 illustrate the center reel mower 18c pivotingmount 230. Pivoting mount 230 includes an arm member 232 to which a liftactuation mechanism 234, similar to that previously described, issecured to a first end. A second end of arm member 232 is pivotablymounted to a rear portion of frame 12. More particularly, a sleeve 236is secured, such as by welding, to a rear portion of frame 12. Journallyreceived within the sleeve 236 is a swivel pin 238 which is secured tothe second end of arm member 232 thereby allowing pivoting motion of armmember 232 about a vertical axis located at a rearward portion of frame12. In this manner, center reel 18c may be pivoted from an operativeposition below frame 12 to a service position adjacent frame 12. FIG. 8shows reel mower 18c pivoted midway between the operative position andthe service position.

With particular reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a bracket member 240 issecured to the first end of arm member 232. Bracket member 240 includesfirst and second transversely extending vertical flanges 242 and 244,respectively. An upper portion of flange 242 further includes arearwardly extending portion 246 to which a latch assembly 248 issecured. Latch assembly 248 includes an over-center toggle member 250and a hook 252 secured thereto. An upper portion of hook 252 is formedwith a substantially right angle bend portion 254 which projects throughan aperture 256 formed in the upper portion of flange 242. Bend portion254 is oriented to engage a catch 258 secured to a side portion of frame12. A clamping load is applied between hook 252 and catch 258 byover-center toggle 250 for securing arm member 232 in its operativeposition with respect to frame 12. Lift actuator assembly 234 ispivotably secured to bracket 242, and operates as described above forraising and lowering center reel mower 18c.

FIGS. 1-4 and 6 show the mounting of rear steerable wheel 16, thesteering mechanism 260 and the interconnection between steeringmechanism 260 and steering wheel 68. As can be seen, rear wheel 16 ismounted to a pair of brackets 262 secured to a "U" shaped yoke member264. Yoke member 264 includes an upper spindle portion 266 which isjournally supported within sleeve 268 secured to brackets 270 and whichin turn are secured to frame 12. Spindle 266 projects upwardly throughsleeve 268 such that a portion extends above frame 12 for allowing asteering sprocket 272 to be secured thereto. Steering sprocket 272 has aplurality of teeth 274 formed along its circumference for engaging anopen ended chain 276. Cable assembly 278 is secured to the ends of chain276 and is routed along a plurality of pulleys, examples of which areshown at 280 and 282, respectively, to steering wheel 68. It should thusbe appreciated that rotation of steering wheel 68 causes concomitantmovement of cable assembly 278 and hence rotation of steering sprocket272 about sprocket axis "S" for turning rear wheel 16 and for steeringmower 10. Rear wheel 16 is positioned aft of sprocket axis "S" such thatit trails sprocket axis "S" for preventing flutter and enhancingstability of rear wheel 16. Cable assembly 278 can be routed throughcontrol support arm 66 which is constructed from tubular materialsreducing cost and weight through the elimination of brackets andprotective sheathing.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show in schematic form the power and control circuit300 for supplying electrical energy from battery power source 24 to reelmower motors 22, reel lift motors 192 and drive motor 162 previouslydescribed. Circuit 300 is arranged to provide twelve and twenty-fourcontrol voltages to a plurality of electro mechanical relay devices,while power devices are controlled at forty-eight and twenty-four voltsas will be described below. It should also be understood that solidstate devices may be substituted for those described without departingfrom the fair scope of the invention.

Circuit 300 includes a lock-out, and the operator must insert a key intokey switch 302 to activate mower 10. Key switch 302 is a two positiondual pole switch which is closed in an ignition on position. Whenclosed, operation of the head-light 304 through activation of head-lightswitch 306 is permitted. Further operation of mower 10 is prohibitedunless seat switch 308 is closed, i.e., unless an operator is sitting inseat 68. Upon closing of key switch 302 and seat switch 308, key switchon relay 310 is energized at twelve volts which closes a first contactorfor supplying a twelve volt signal to the motor controller 312 and forenergizing a power on lamp 314. Energization of key switch on relay 310also closes a second contactor which is necessary for supplyingtwenty-four volts to the reel mower contactor coils 342 and the reellift motors, as will be described.

To effect driving of mower 10, with the key switch on relay 310energized and the seat switch closed, drive motor 162 is controlledthrough cooperation of motor controller 312, foot actuated potentiometer318 and forward/reverse contactor 320. Battery voltage is supplied tomotor controller 312, which is operable to split the battery voltage andsupply foot actuated potentiometer 318 with an input voltage. Footactuated potentiometer 318 divides this input voltage depending on theposition of drive pedal 76 and a "lap" voltage is returned to motorcontroller 312 which responds by modulating the current flowing throughdrive motor field coil 328 in proportion to the tap voltage forcontrolling the output speed of drive motor 162.

As previously mentioned, drive motor 162 is a D.C. series-woundreversible motor. A first pole of drive motor 162 is connected directlyto the full battery power source 24, i.e., forty-eight volts. The secondpole of drive motor 162 is connected to the motor controller 312 whichprovides an interruptable ground connection. Motor controller 312 incooperation with forward/reverse contactor 320, forward microswitch 324and reverse microswitch 326 supplies and modulates field current todrive motor field winding 328 for controlling drive motor 162 speed.Forward microswitch 324 and reverse microswitch 326 are normally openand are disposed adjacent drive pedal 76 such that rotation of drivepedal 76 in a first direction closes forward microswitch 324 whilerotation of drive pedal 76 in the opposite direction closes reversemicroswitch 326. It should be noted that foot actuated potentiometer 318is operable in both directions to divide the input voltage and to supplya tap voltage to motor controller 312. In this regard, foot actuatedpotentiometer 318 is operable to control mower 10 ground speed in bothforward and reverse directions. Forward/reverse contactor 320 (showncompletely de-energized in FIG. 17A) is a four position, four pole dualinput relay. Forward and reverse cause closing of forward and reversecontactors, 330 and 332, respectively, within forward/reverse contactor320. When the forward contactor 330 is closed and reverse contactor 332is open, field current is applied from S1 to S2 on motor field winding328, and drive motor 162 operates in a forward mode in response tocurrent flow through drive motor armature winding 322. Similarly, whenreverse contactor 332 is closed and forward contactor 330 is open, fieldcurrent is applied from S2 to S1 on motor field winding 328, and drivemotor 162 operates in a forward direction in response to current flowthrough drive motor armature winding 322. Also included and activatedwhen forward contactor is closed, is hour meter 334 for logging thehours of operation of mower 10.

With reference then to FIG. 17B, when the key switch on relay 311 isenergized and seat switch 308 is closed, operation of the reel mowers isconducted primarily through activation and deactivation of mow switch 80and transport switch 86. Mow switch 80 is a foot operated dual pole twoposition switch while transport switch 86 is a dual pole two positionswitch mounted to control panel 70.

Mower 10 is designed to operate in two modes based on the position oftransport switch 86. When in the transport mode, mower 10 is operable totravel at higher speeds, the reel mowers may be raised and lowered, butreel mower operation through actuation of mow switch 80 is inhibited. Ina mow mode, i.e., transport switch 86 in the mow position, mower 10operates at a lower mow speed, mow switch 80 is operable to activate anddeactivate the reel mowers for mowing. The reel mowers may still beraised manually through operation of a second switch. Each of the reelmowers 18a-18c operate in essentially the same manner, and the followingdiscussion for actuating a single reel mower is applicable to each.

With transport switch 86 in the transport mode, mow relay 336 isenergized and the coil of main contactor 338 is switched to anopen/de-energized state. Also, reel mower contactor coil 342 is also inan open/de-energized state as is the reel mower relay 344. Raise/lowerswitch 340 is a three position switch which is normally open. If movedto the raise "u" position, main contactor coil 338 is energizedintroducing a +24 volt differential across the reel lift motor 192 andit operates to raise the reel mower as previously described. If moved tothe lower "d" position, the reel mower relay coil is energized, and -24volts is introduced across reel lift motor 192 which operates to lowerthe reel mower as previously described. During each of these operationsthe reel mower motor contactor coil remains in an open/de-energizedstate, and therefore, the reel mower does not operate.

With continued reference to FIG. 17B placing transport switch 86 in themow mode, de-energizes mow relay coil 330. Main contactor 338 coil isthen energized and its contacts close. In addition, when mow switch 80is switched to mow, mower contactor coil 342 is energized which closesits contacts and introduces +48 volts across the reel mower motor 22causing it to operate. Also, closing reel mower relay 344 contactorsintroduces -24 volts across reel lift motor 192 which lowers the reelmower into contact with the green and mowing begins. Lastly, withtransport switch 86 in the mow mode, potentiometer relay 348 isde-energized thereby moving its contacts and introducing an additionalresistor 346 in series with foot actuated potentiometer 318 reducing thetap voltage seen by motor controller 312. Motor controller 312, inresponse to the reduced tap voltage, reduces the current flow throughdrive motor armature winding 322 and likewise reduces the speed of themower 10 to mowing speed.

Upon completing a pass across the green being mowed, the operatorswitches mow switch 80 to off "O". This de-energizes reel mowercontactor coil 342 and the reel mower motor ceases operating and areraised. Also, the reel mower relay 344 is de-energized, and mow relay336 is energized opening main contactor 338. With both transport switch86 in the mow mode, and mow switch 80 in the mow position, raise switch340 remains operable, as described, to raise and lower reel mowers18a-18c. When generally mowing, transport switch 86 is left in the mowposition and control of reel mowers 18a-18c is controlled throughselective activation of mow switch 80. Upon completing mowing, switchingof transport switch 86 to the transport mode energizes potentiometerrelay 352 moving its contacts and taking resistor 346 out of series withfoot actuated potentiometer 318 and allowing mower 10 to drive at higherspeeds, and disables mowers 18a-18c operation as described.

As previously discussed, reel mowers 18a, 18b and 18c are positioned onframe 12 in a staggered arrangement. That is, reel mowers 18a and 18bare forward while reel mower 18c is centrally located. If all threemowers were to activate simultaneously, an irregular cutting patternwould be created which would reduce efficiency by requiring additionalclean up cuts. Circuit 300 includes an on/off delay timer 350 for reelmower 18c. In operation, on/off delay timer 350 delays the time beforereel mower 18c is activated and lowered such that it starts cutting atsubstantially the same position as reel mowers 18a and 18b. Likewise,on/off delay timer 350 delays the deactivation of reel mower 18c suchthat it stops cutting at substantially the same position as reel mowers18a and 18b. It should be understood that on/off delay timer 350 may bea simple RC timer circuit, a 555 timer chip, or digital timer circuit,which is preferred. FIG. 16 illustrates the on/off delay feature forreel mowers 18a, 18b and 18c. The high going trace indicates moweractivation, while a low going trace indicates mower deactivation.

The foregoing generally describes the details of the structure, functionand operation of mower 10. The following describe additional advantagesand features of mower 10.

Of considerable concern to golf course superintendents is the weight ofa greens mower. As mentioned above, it is important to avoid compactionof the soil underneath the green turf, and in accordance with thisconsideration every aspect of mower 10 is designed with an eye towardsreducing weight wherever and whenever possible. FIGS. 1-6 and 15illustrate the frame assembly and the mounting of the prime mover andother frame components. Mower 10 incorporates a single drive motor 162adapted to drive the forward driven wheels 14 through drive axle 164,thus reducing weight over having multiple drive motors. In addition, theframe is constructed from tubular frame members. The tubular frameprovides for enhancing structural rigidity of the electric drive ridinggreens mower 10 while reducing weight. In addition, the tubular framepermits routing of wiring harness 126 and steering cable assembly 278through the frame 12 and control support arm 66, respectively, to thevarious positions on the riding greens mower. This advantageouslyprovides protection for wiring harness 126 and steering cable assembly278 without additional sheathing, and helps to reduce the number ofbrackets and retainers necessary to secure the wiring. Each of thesefeatures assist in the overall goal of reducing the weight of the mower.

Many of the features of the frame 12 are dual or multiple purpose. Thefoot deck 174 also defines the electrical component mounting panel 122and electrical compartment 124 all of which is integrally constructedinto frame 12. The battery support structure 40 including verticalplates 48 and 52 also serves to support seat 62. The control support arm66 supports steering wheel 68 and control panel 70 as well as functionsas a conduit for steering cable assembly 278.

Mower 10 is designed with an increased tread width, i.e., the distancebetween centerlines of front drive wheels 14. This arrangement improvesstability and ensures that rear steerable wheel 16 remains within thearc defined by drive wheels 14 during turns. Thus, the operator isassured that if drive wheels 14 have cleared a hazard, rear steerablewheel 16 will similarly clear the hazard. The positioning of rearsteerable wheel 16, however, also takes into account the desirability ofelongating the wheel base to enhance stability of mower 10. Hence, rearsteerable wheel 16 is positioned as far aft as possible while stillachieving the above goals with the wheel base being approximately in theratio of 1:1 to the tread width.

Mower 10 is also designed to be highly serviceable. As noted above,batter cover 54 is vented so that battery power source 24 may berecharged without having to remove battery cover 54. The seat 62 ispivotable to allow access to battery power source. Also, as described,center reel mower 18c is secured to pivoting mount 230 so that it iseasily pivoted out from under mower 10 for service. Furthermore, amajority of the electrical components are conveniently mounted to apivoting panel such that they are easily accessed for service.

With reference to FIG. 9, electrical energy is communicated to the reelmowers 18a-18c from battery power source 24 along lead 364 and to thereel mower via lead 360. To provide means for backlapping the reelmowers, connectors 366 and 362 joining leads are disconnected. Alsodisconnected is a main power connector which isolates battery powersource 24 from the rest of the electrical system. A backlappingaccessory box which includes a pair of leads, an on/off switch and aknob connected to a potentiometer disposed within the box. A first leadof the accessory box is connected to an external power source and theother lead is connected to lead 360 at connector 362. By turning thebacklapping accessory on, power from the external power source isprovide to drive the reel mower in a reverse manner. The knob can berotated to adjust the potentiometer such that the speed at which thereel mower is driven in reverse can be adjusted. Hence, the reel mowersmay be conveniently backlapped without removing them from mower 10. Asshould be appreciated, the backlapping accessory could also be adaptedto receive power from battery source 24 eliminating the need for anexternal power source.

Also shown in FIG. 9 is reel mower end cover 380. End cover 380 coversan elongated end portion 382 of the shaft of a reel cylinder. As analternate method of backlapping, cover 380 is adapted to receive anauxiliary reel mower motor which engages shaft end portion 382. Theauxiliary reel mower motor is simply a standard reel mower motor adaptedto be removably secured to the reel mower and cover 382. Electricalenergy is provide from an adjustable external source, or from batterypower source 24 via lead 360 through an adjustment means, and auxiliaryreel mower motor drives the reel mower in reverse for providing a secondmeans for backlapping the reel mower.

While specific embodiments have been shown and described in detail toillustrate the principles of the electric drive riding greens mower ofthe present invention, it will be understood that the invention may beembodied otherwise without departing from such principles. For example,one skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion andfrom the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes,modifications and variations can be made therein without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as described in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A gang mower comprising:a frame member supportedupon a plurality of ground engaging wheels; a prime mover adapted toprovide driving torque to at least one of the ground engaging wheels;and a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers supported from the frame, atleast one of the reel type lawn mowers being secured to an arm memberhaving first and second ends, the first end being secured to thereel-type mower, and the send end being pivotally secured to the framemember such that the one reel type lawn mower may be moved from anoperative position below the frame member to a service position adjacentthe frame member.
 2. The gang mower of claim 1 further comprising aplurality of lift mechanisms, each lift mechanism having an electricalmotor and each lift mechanism being associated with one of the reel-typemowers for moving the one reel-type mower between a raised non-operativeposition and a lowered operative position in which the reel-type lawnmower engages the ground and is ready to cut grass on a lawn therebelow.3. The gang mower of claim 1 further comprising a second one of theplurality of reel-type lawn mowers supported from the frame and beingsecured to a second arm member having first and second ends, the firstend being secured to the second reel-type mower, and the second endbeing pivotally secured to the frame member to enable movement of thesecond one of the plurality of reel-type lawn mower from an operativeposition below the frame member to a service position adjacent the framemember, the second mower being moveable on a side of the frame oppositethe first one of the plurality.
 4. A pivoting support for a mowing unitof a gang type mower comprising:a king pin secured to a frame portion ofthe gang type mower; a swivel member journally supported for movementabout the king pin; an arm member having first and second ends, thesecond end being secured to the swivel member; a latch member forreleasably securing the arm member in an operative position to the frameportion of the gang type lawn mower; and mounting means for securing amowing unit to the first end of the arm member, whereby the mowing unitmay be pivoted about an axis defined by the king pin from the operativeposition to a service position.
 5. The pivoting support of claim 4wherein the mounting means further allows for rotation of the mowingunit about the first end of arm member.
 6. An electrically-poweredriding gang mower, comprising:a generally open frame supported upon atleast three ground engaging wheels, with at least two of the wheelsbeing located toward a forward portion of the frame and a third groundengaging wheel being located toward a rearward portion of the frame; aplurality of reel-type lawn mowers supported from the frame, with atleast one of the plurality of reel-type lawn mowers being disposedbeneath the frame and between the forward and rearward ground engagingwheels, the one mower being secured to an arm member having first andsecond ends, the first end being secured to the reel-type mower, and thesecond end being pivotally secured to the frame to enable movement ofthe one mower from an operative position beneath the frame to a serviceposition generally adjacent to the frame; and a prime mover adapted toprovide driving torque to at least one of the ground engaging wheels. 7.A gang mower comprising:a frame supported on a plurality of groundengaging wheels; a plurality of reel-type lawn mowers, each supportedfrom the frame and driven by an electric reel motor, at least one of thereel-type lawn mowers secured to the frame by an arm member having firstand second ends, the first end being secured to the reel-type mower, andthe second end being pivotally secured to the frame to enable movementof the one reel-type lawn mower from an operative position beneath theframe to a service position generally adjacent to the frame; at leastone electric drive motor to provide driving torque to at least one ofthe ground engaging wheels; a plurality of electrically-powered liftmechanisms, each one having an electrical motor and each one beingassociated with a reel-type mower for moving the reel-type mower betweena raised nono-perative position and a lowered operative position inwhich the reel-type mower engages the ground and is ready to cut grasson a lawn therebelow; and a battery power source for supplyingelectrical energy to each of the electric reel motors, the electricdrive motor, and the electric lift motors, with the battery power sourcesupplying at least a first control voltage and second control voltagehigher than the first control voltage.